Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Wireless router: Buying advice needed

S

Soschil

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 10, 2007
32
0
Copenhagen
Hi all

My Airport Express broke yesterday :( So now I need something to replace it.
But what to get?

I was already sort of decided on upgrading to an Airport Extreme, but now I have second thoughts. It's a bit pricey and I should probably get something with a built-in hardware firewall of some sort (which AFAIK the Aiport Extreme doesn't have).
I need the router to be relatively easy to set up and configure as I have little exprience with networking/TCP IP etc - doesn't have to be as PnP as Airport but shouldn't be too hairy either.
It would also be preferrable if it isn't too much of an eyesore as it will be in a fairly visible spot in my living room.

Any suggestions/recommendations?
 
I've had good results with the DLink DIR-655. I've setup a handful of these without hearing any complaints (you know how people like to complain).
 
Don't buy Linksys. I've had nothing but trouble with their products. (Dropped wireless and wired connections, reboots required, dead ethernet ports, and heck even the faceplates fall off.)

On the other hand I've actually had good luck with the ease of setup and reliability of the Belkin routers, which are like half as expensive.
 
Get another AP Express. They are compact, nice looking and they work ;)

Why do you need firewall in a router?
 
Thanks :) I'll look into the DLink.

eXan said:
Get another AP Express. They are compact, nice looking and they work ;)

Why do you need firewall in a router?
Click to expand...

As I understand it, the software firewall in OSX is pretty basic, so since I'm in the market for a new router anyway, I may as well get something with a HW firewall as well. Supposedly HW firewalls offer better protection - at least that's what my nerdier friends tell me :)
Were I to go for another Apple product it would be the AP Extreme, but for the moment I can't really afford it.
 
I just got a AEBS n yesterday b/c my AEBS g 'snow' was on the fritz and didn't like my iMac and Apple TV anymore. I tend to go for the Apple routers, while they are a little more, having hardware designed for my hardware adds to the comfort factor. And the look of the products is always an added benefit.
 
Airport Express and Airport Extreme does have firewall. All ports are blocked unless opened specifically. Airport Extreme gives you 5GHz band capability in case there are too many neighbors causing interference at the usual 2.4GHz band.
 
Get a Airport Extreme it's worth every penny, and it does have a build in firewall plus you can attach a hard drive to it like a NAS.
 
theBB said:
Airport Express and Airport Extreme does have firewall. All ports are blocked unless opened specifically.
Click to expand...

Huh?! I do not remember opening any ports on my Airport Express:confused: Please elaborate.
I do remember being surprised of the level of PnP - it literally took only 5 minutes to get it up and running.
 
Soschil said:
Huh?! I do not remember opening any ports on my Airport Express:confused: Please elaborate.
Click to expand...
You don't have to open ports when you are the one initiating a connection behind the firewall. It is to block the outside world. If I want to login to your computer from the outside, I cannot do it unless you forward a port on your router to your computer.
 
theBB said:
You don't have to open ports when you are the one initiating a connection behind the firewall. It is to block the outside world. If I want to login to your computer from the outside, I cannot do it unless you forward a port on your router to your computer.
Click to expand...

Ahh.... *light bulb* I am enlightned.
Thanks for clearing that up - I don't know much about networking :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back